Warm weather, cookouts, festivals, picnics, and shorter hemlines are all hallmarks summer. Now is the time of year to kick up those sandals and bask in the sun while sipping a mojito pool-side. While many rejoice at being able to wear less clothing, plus-sized women often experience some self-consciousness around showing off their bodies during the summer. Whether bathing suits, crop tops, tank tops, or short-shorts, many of today's trends are not deemed "suitable" for larger bodies. Obviously, this is bullshit. Anyone can wear anything they want!
In order to honor – and, hopefully, inspire – our lovely curvynistas, I’ve compiled a list of beautiful summer looks from plus-size bloggers around the web.
Rochelle of Beauticurve
Chante of Everything Curvy and Chic
Pepper of PrettyPlusPep
Konnie J of kweenplusnatural
CeCe of Plus Size Princess
Gabi of GabiFresh
Crop tops are easily the most anxiety-inducing wardrobe staple ever - many women (me included) believe that the look won’t work for their body types. But these beauties are proving why we should fight through hesitation and embrace the crop top lifestyle. Mehgan Blalock, from Who What Wear, reminds us:
“Contrary to what many of us think, crop tops are actually one of the most flattering summer pieces you can choose, because they draw the eye to the thinnest part of pretty much every woman’s body: The area right at the middle of the rib cage, between the breasts and the waist. Whether you're long and lean, fit and trim, or pear-shaped and curvy, there’s a way for you to wear crop tops. For plus-size ladies, pair a short-to-midi length cropper with a high-waist skirt, so only a relatively modest sliver of skin is showing.”
Phil on Instagram as Phillthy_1
Many plus size women are intimidated by body con skirts and dresses, often worrying about showcasing their bodies in such a revealing silhouette after the world has told them they should be ashamed of their shapes. Wearing bodycon does take courage and confidence but I believe it’s a defiant act of self-love, body positive acceptance, and showing the world that you absolutely and amazingly beautiful as you are. Phil and Essie Golden show us how to do that well.
Essie Golden of Golden Kaleidoscope
Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista
Ty Alexander of Gorgeous in Grey
Chasity of GarnerStyle
Kellie Brown of And I Get Dressed
Jeniese of The Je Ne Sais Quoi
Franceta of FrancetaJohnson.com
Alissa Wilson of Stylish Curves
Photo: GorgeousinGrey.com / GabiFresh.com
Jana-Lynn is a lifestyle blogger, personal stylist, and cultural critic. Follow her adventures on Twitter & Instagram (@BasedJane) and her blog (thejanetales.blogspot.com) for conversations on fashion, style, pop culture, love, and life.
